Neuroendocrine control of empathetic systems

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Empathic system
• Project/Area Number: 25118008
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Complex systems
• Research Institution: Jichi Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Onaka Tatsushi 自治医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (90177254)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 高柳 友紀 自治医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (10418890) ; 吉田 匡秀 自治医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (30533955)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): NAGASAWA Miho 麻布大学, 獣医学部, 講師 (70533082)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-06-28 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 共感 / オキシトシン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Roles of oxytocin-oxytocin receptor systems in the control of empathetic behaviors were investigated. We found that supraoptic oxytocin neurons extend their dendrites into the medial amygdala and that this dendritic oxytocin system mediates social recognition. We also found that distinct oxytocin systems facilitate both expression of social defeat postures and consolidation-like behaviors. Affective touches or playing behaviors were also found to activate oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus, and to modulate development of social behaviors. We also found that oxytocin facilitates bonding between humans and dogs.

Free Research Field

生理学